The Salvation Army responds to damaging mudslides in Peru

IN RESPONSE to heavy rain that has led to flooding and mudslides in areas around the Peruvian capital, Lima, The Salvation Army, in liaison with local authorities, has commenced emergency relief in the Chosica and Santa Eulalia communities. The national government has declared a state of emergency in a number of provinces after severe damage to infrastructure which is affecting thousands of people. It is known that at least 20 people have lost their lives.

Having deployed emergency canteens, trained disaster response staff and volunteers to the scene, The Salvation Army is initially providing about 300 affected families (approximately 1,400 men, women and children) with food, water, toiletries and sanitary items. As the landslides have interrupted drinking water supplies, providing access to clean water and sanitation remain key priorities.

Peru’s National Meteorological Service is warning that further heavy rainfall is expected to continue until April, suggesting that other communities may be impacted. With damage incurred to housing, bridges and agricultural land, many families have lost their homes and livelihoods.

The Salvation Army is working with local government officials and non-governmental organisations to ensure that needs are met in the immediate aftermath and in the longer term.